THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly 700 people in the state have died in accidents in the first two months of this year. According to a report released by the Police Department here on Thursday, 698 accident deaths were reported in January and February alone. Surprisingly, 80 per cent of the victims were pedestrians and motor cyclists. As many as 309 motor cyclists and 241 pedestrians were killed in just two months. In view of the increasing accident rates, the Police Department has decided to spread traffic awareness messages. Shockingly, 90 per cent deaths of motorists occurred due to head injury. Had they used helmets, these deaths could have been avoided, the police release said. The Police Department would extend the helmet checking to enforce it. The department has also requested motorists to use helmets to avoid fatal injuries in accidents. Report shows that senior citizens often fell victims of rash driving. Of the 241 pedestrians killed in accidents, 106 were above the age of 60. As many as 42 were aged between 50 and 60. In short, 61 per cent of pedestrians killed were above the age of 50. The release said that the Police would take steps to ensure pedestrians’ safety. Not heavy vehicles, but motor cycles and light motor vehicles were the pedestrian killers. As many as 74 pedestrians were killed by motor cycles and 64 by light motor vehicles. Heavy vehicles had killed 56 pedestrians. Accident deaths for car and bus passengers are less than 10 percent. As many as 22 cyclists, 47 auto passengers, 50 light motor vehicle passengers, 4 motor vehicle passengers, 18 heavy vehicle and 6 KSRTC passengers were killed during the period under review. The 10-day massive awareness drive, led by student police cadets, will begin on April 17. The government would give `1 crore for the awareness programme from the Road Safety Fund. Importance of the use of helmet, pedestrian safety and effects of drunken driving would be highlighted in messages. More than 10,000 student police cadets are expected to participate in the massive awareness drive. Moving vehicles will not be stopped for helmet checking,release said. Violations would be recorded using cameras.Surveillance cameras are used in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode cities. This would be extended to other districts as well. The police are also planning to take strong measures to check drunken driving. The Police Department is planning to buy 400 alcometers. The department would sanction `2 crore from the Road Safety Fund to buy alcometers, the release said.
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